Dance in India

Dance in India has an unbroken tradition of over 2,000 years. Its themes are derived from mythology,  legends and classical literature. Its two main divisions are classical and folk.

• In traditional Indian culture the function of dance was to give symbolic expression to religious ideas. The figure of Lord Shiva as Nataraja represents the creation and destruction of the cosmic cycle.

Classical dance forms are based on ancient dance discipline and have rigid rules of presentation. Important among them are Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Odissi.

Features:-

• Mudra or hand gestures are used by the artists as a short-hand sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts.

• Many classical dances include facial expressions as an integral part of the dance form.

• Nartanam: Dances performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals.

• Carnatakam Dances were performed in royal courts.

A. Bharata Natyam (Tamil Nadu)

• The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.

• The style was kept alive by the devadasis, who were young girls 'gifted' by their parents to the temples and were married to the gods.

• The dance movements are characterized by bent legs, while feet keep rhythm. Hands may be used in a series of mudra.

• Instruments used in Bharatnatyam are Mridangam, Violin, Veena, Flute and Talam.

B. Kathakali ( Kerala)

• The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play".

• Kathakali is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. The dancers wear large head dresses, and the different colors of the face are extended with moulded lime.

• Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics, mythologies and legends.

• Kathakali is traditionally performed by boys and men, even for female roles.

• Instruments used in Kathakali are Chenda, Maddalam, Cymbals and Ela taalam.

C. Kathak (North India)

• Kathak, meaning "the art of storytelling."

• It is performed by both men and women.

• The movements include intricate footwork accented by bells worn around the ankles and stylized gesture adapted from normal body language.

• The advent of Islamic rule in the 13th century greatly influenced the Indian culture, having a direct impact on Kathak. (It was introduced as a form of entertainment in the courts and developed its own distinct and individualistic style).

• Lucknow, Banaras and Jaipur are recognized as the three schools.
  • Instruments used in Kathak are Pakwaj, Tabla, Harmonium, Sarengi and Talam (cymbals).

D. Manipuri( Manipur)

• The most striking part of Manipur dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), smooth and graceful movements.

• The Manipuri dance form is mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state of Manipur.

• Among the important feature of the Manipuri repertoire are the Sankirtana and the Raas Leela, based on the devotional theme of Krishna and Radha.

• Another vibrant feature of Manipuri is the Pung Cholam or Drum dance, in which dancers play on the drum known as Pung.

• The Lai Haroba, a ritualistic dance depicting the Creation, is considered the precursor of Manipuri as seen today.

• Instruments used in Manipuri are Pung and Cymbals.

E. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)

• Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu epics, legends and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting.

• Traditionally the dance was performed by men, even the female roles, although now it is predominantly performed by women.

• Taranagam is the main unique piece of Kuchpudi repertoire, also known as plate (made by brass) dance. In that the dancer dance upon a brass plate, placing the feet upon the raised edges.

• Instruments used in Kuchipudi are Mridangam, Violin, Veena, Flute and Talam.

Odissi (Odisha)

• Originating in the Devadasi tradition, it is predominantly a dance for women, with postures that replicate those found in temple sculptures.

• Like other Indian classical dance forms, Odissi has two major facets:

i. Nritta, in which ornamental patterns are created using body movements in space and time.

ii. Abhinaya, or facial expressions are used to interpret a story or theme.

• Tribhangi, (thrice deflected posture) in which the body is bent in three places, the shape of a helix.

• Instruments were used in Odissi are Pakwaj, table, harmonium, flute and cymbals.

G. Sattriya (Assam)

• Sattriya Nritya was usually performed in the Sattras (Assam monasteries) in a highly ritialistic manner by male dancers alone.

• The core of Sattriya Nritya has usually been mythological stories.

• Dressed in white costumes and turbans, head gears, they include khol-patital, boratal-cymbals playing, performing dance, creating soundscapes, floor patterns and choreographic designs.

• Both solo and group numbers enrich its presentation. The dresses are usually made of pat, a type of silk produced in Assam.